Month: November 2012

As social media grows in importance and usage, so does a standardization of it. However, placing social media in a box can go against its core value, relationship building. Since relationships are not built through set standards, but through interaction and understanding; these need to remain the main focus for anyone doing social media.

Structure helps to set a course and is necessary when social media is used in a business scenario. The need for a fixed start and end point help to know what direction is being taken and how to measure; in fact, the intent of the social media box is just this.

Solely organizing social media sharing (according to the outlined scheme one has learned through verified sources in the field). Some of these set standards include tweeting and posting a certain number of times a day and the percentage of social versus lifestyle content to share.

Next is being told to engage so often throughout the day, to increase following and keep an eye out for scores that give you status, such as the renowned Klout score.

The above items are great to apply, but too often they are considered doing social media. Automating shares, providing the necessary content and increasing numbers (whether followers, likes or Klout score) are components of the efforts social media entail. These need to be used alongside the genuinely caring and building a relationship part of what doing social media is really made up of.

Some of the ways to show genuine interest and maintain the relationship building factor are:

Don’t only retweet, like or reshare content; but also read, comment, and initiate an actual dialogue on topics of interest.

Consistent contact and wishing a good day can show ‘I care’ (and not only with influential contacts for the sole purpose of growing popularity).

Although defining is inevitable, it is necessary to avoid getting lost within the lines and making what was meant as guidelines the end objective. An effective fix to this inclination is to simply remember that all the social media boxes out there are a means to gauge a business’ social media efforts, but that doing social media and succeeding in it lie within the human component.

Exploring how to get outside of your head; understanding that being inside your head is a positive when you lift the weight; how removing self criticism for thinking allows you to learn & uncover more.

Exploring how to overcome confusion; looking at what brings about confusion & what can help you move away from confusion, while learning more about yourself & staying open to what comes your way daily.

Exploring defensiveness; its role in resistance, in how we see things & interact with others; & how letting your guard down helps release resistance, gain awareness of your role, & pursue inner growth.

Exploring how making assumptions affect your inner growth, your ability to learn from others & be open to life lessons; & a look at how to put assumptions aside to be able and see beyond in the moment.

Exploring social validation & image to understand how to release doubt of self-image & express your authentic self; how the online world holds its facades; & how network doesn't mean you're less or more.

Exploring the importance of mindset to how your life is, & the level of harmony & joys you experience; how to use awareness of your mindset & belief to lead transformation; & some ways you can do this.

Exploring how you can learn from the transformations, changes, & transitions that take place in life; being able to identify things that have transformed in you; & seeing how trust in your heart helps.